Living in Montreal means we have easy access to some of the best cities in the world. In less than 6 hours by car, we can get to New York City, Boston, Ottawa, Portland, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto. We truly are spoiled when it comes to choices for summer road trips. However, this years, things are different.
The exchange rate going to the USA is now close to 40%. And In peak tourist season, that 40% ads up quick! Yes we LOVE New York City and Boston, you automatically think of the historic maritime charm of Boston or the high-energy, fast-paced rhythm of New York City.
But what if you could experience the best elements of both iconic cities in one clean, and exchange rate free destination?
Enter Toronto.
This summer, Canada’s largest metropolis is proving why it deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list. It seamlessly blends the coastal, breezy waterfront vibes of Boston with the towering skyscrapers and world-class culture of New York City. Here is how to plan the perfect summer vacation in Toronto. Even if you’ve been to Toronto in the past, I can assure you unless you live there full time there is still so much to see and do in the six!
Keep Reading to see how you can save money and time on the best Toronto Attractions.
🌊 The Boston Vibes: Toronto’s Stunning Harbourfront
If you love Boston for its historic harbors and ocean breezes, Toronto’s Harbourfront will make you feel right at home. Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, the revitalized waterfront is the city’s summer heartbeat.
[ The Toronto Summer Experience ]
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[ Waterfront Charm ] [ Big City Energy ]
- City Cruises Toronto - CN Tower & Ripley's Aquarium
- Harbourfront Centre Boardwalk - World-Class Museums (ROM/AGO)
- Queen Street Shopping - NY-Style Subway System
-Center Island - World Class Restaurants
The absolute best way to experience it is by hopping aboard City Cruises. Much like a harbor cruise in Boston, these boat tours offer unmatched, panoramic views of the breathtaking city skyline. Whether you opt for a narrated sightseeing tour that winds through the tranquil Toronto Islands or a sunset dinner cruise, being out on the water is the ultimate way to beat the summer heat. Back on land, you can stroll the boardwalk, enjoy outdoor art installations at the Harbourfront Centre, or sip a cold drink on a lakeside patio.
🏙️ The New York State of Mind: Getting Around and Big City Thrills
Step off the waterfront and into the downtown core, and you’ll instantly feel a familiar New York energy. Toronto features a massive, towering skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and a world-class transit system that makes exploring effortless.
A Subway System Just Like New York
Forget dealing with traffic. Taking the Toronto subway (the TTC) is just like navigating New York City. It’s fast, incredibly efficient, grid-based, and straightforward to use. In just a few stops, you can zip from the theater district to eclectic neighborhoods, soaking in the metropolitan hustle without the stress.
Touch the Sky at the CN Tower
Just as NYC has the Empire State Building, Toronto boasts the iconic CN Tower. Defining the city’s skyline, a trip up to the LookOut level gives you a dizzying, 360-degree view of the entire Greater Toronto Area. If you are feeling exceptionally brave, you can even try the EdgeWalk—the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk on a ledge outside the tower.
🎨 World-Class Culture and Legendary Shopping
Toronto rivals Manhattan when it comes to arts, culture, and retail therapy. You could spend days getting lost in the city’s premier institutions and shopping districts.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Located right at the base of the CN Tower, this massive underwater world is a must-visit. Walk through the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel as sharks and sawfish swim directly overhead.
- The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum): Canada’s largest museum showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world. Kids and adults alike will be floored by the massive dinosaur skeletons and the striking, futuristic “Crystal” architecture of the building itself.
- The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario): Boasting an incredible collection of Canadian, Indigenous, and European art, the AGO is a masterpiece inside and out, featuring a stunning timber-and-glass facade designed by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry.
- Queen Street Shopping: Looking for that Soho-style retail rush? Head to Queen Street West. Known for its trendy boutiques, flagship stores, historic buildings, and vibrant street art, it’s one of the coolest shopping districts in North America.
⚾ The Sports Scene: World-Class Action (Without the NYC Price Tag)
New York and Boston might boast historic rivalries, but Toronto stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them on the global sports stage. While the Maple Leafs and Raptors always deliver a high-energy night out, Blue Jays baseball is the crown jewel of a Toronto summer.
After a thrilling 2025 season where they beat out both the Yankees and Red Sox for a shot at the World Series, the Jays are playing some of the most exciting baseball in the league right now. Catching a game at the newly renovated Rogers Centre offers an unmatched atmosphere you just have to experience firsthand.
Family Travel Tip: Check the schedule before you book! Sunday home games are typically Jr. Jays Days, offering a variety of family-friendly activities designed to keep younger fans entertained.
🍝 Family-Friendly Dining at its Best
After a long day of sightseeing, Toronto’s culinary scene is ready to welcome you. While the city boasts a legendary fine-dining and Michelin-starred scene, it is also incredibly accommodating for families traveling with children.
For a memorable and nostalgic meal, make a reservation at The Old Spaghetti Factory in the historic Esplanade district. It remains one of the best family-friendly restaurants in the city. Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule, complete with antique decor, stained-glass lamps, and even a 1902 refurbished streetcar you can dine inside.
Traveler Tip: Every entrée at The Old Spaghetti Factory comes “all-inclusive” with sourdough bread, soup or salad, ice cream, and coffee or tea—making it an unbeatable value for families fueling up for a big summer vacation.
☀️ Book Your Toronto Summer Getaway
Toronto successfully captures the historic, nautical charm of Boston and fuses it with the grand scale, culture, and kinetic energy of New York City—all while maintaining its own uniquely clean, welcoming, and Canadian identity.
Whether you are cruising the harbor, riding the subway to a world-class museum, or enjoying a plate of pasta with the family, Toronto is the ultimate summer destination. Pack your bags and head north!
How to Save $200+ on Your Toronto Family Vacation
Want to see the best of the city without breaking the bank? Leverage the Toronto CityPASS®. It’s our favourite way to save both time and cash while exploring.
With just one simple booking, you get admission to 5 top-tier attractions:
- Guaranteed Included: The CN Tower & Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Your Choice (Pick 3): The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, or a scenic City Cruise.
For a family of four, this translates to over $200 in savings! We are already counting down the days until our summer trip, where we’ll be utilizing our passes for the CN Tower, a harbor City Cruise, and the Aquarium.
Help us break the tie for our final two spots! Should we head to Canada’s largest zoo, explore a historic castle, or hit the museums? Let me know below!
The Snowboard Mom 